Page 128 of Triple Play
“I will if I have to.”
Despite everything, that makes me smile. Small and broken, but still.
My laptop dings. Email notification.
FROM: University Health Services SUBJECT: Mandatory Counseling Appointment
“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me.”
I open it. Scan the contents.
“They’re mandating relationship counseling. For all four of us. Weekly sessions until the end of the semester.”
“That’s—actually that’s probably good,” Teddy says carefully.
“Good? We’re being treated like we’re sick. Like there’s something wrong with us that needs to be fixed.”
“Or like you’re four people in a complicated relationship who could use professional support navigating it.”
I hate that he has a point.
Another email.
FROM: Dean Morrison SUBJECT: Community Service Requirement
“Community service. Fifty hours each. To be completed by end of semester.”
“For what? Falling in love?”
“For violating housing policy,” Teddy reads over my shoulder. “At least they’re not expelling you.”
“Yet.”
I turn my phone back on. Sixteen voicemails.
The first three are reporters.
The fourth is from my mother. I delete it without listening.
The fifth is Wyatt.
“Elise. I don’t—I don’t know if you’re seeing any of this but—we’re trying to fix it. Just—please call me back. Please.”
His voice is wrecked. Desperate.
The sixth is Jordie.
“So uh, my mom called the dean. Yeah. That happened. She’s—she’s going full Senator’s wife mode and honestly it’s kind of terrifying but also awesome? Anyway. Call me. Or text me. Or—just let me know you’re okay. We’re gonna fix this, baby.”
The seventh is Grant.
There’s a long pause before he speaks.
“I’m sorry. For this morning. For telling you to leave. For—everything. I was scared and I said things I didn’t mean and now everything’s blown up and I—”Another pause.“I love you. I need you to know that. Whatever happens, I love you. We all do.”
I’m crying again. Awesome.
The eighth voicemail is from a number I don’t recognize.
